Cause of death released in Middlefield shootout with police

The official cause of death has been released for the man accused of initiating a shootout with two Middlefield police officers in March.

James Gilkerson, of Mentor-on-the-Lake, died by homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds, according to a Geauga County Coroner's Office media release.

Geauga County Prosecutor James Flaiz did not present evidence to a grand jury.

In his official opinion, Flaiz wrote, "(the officers) were in imminent danger of great bodily harm or death due to the actions of the subject ... The only reasonable recourse for both officers was to use their firearms in self-defense...

"The only crimes committed on March 10, 2013, were committed by the subject."